Talks and shows

SOLD OUT - Wormholes and Hollywood

Quantum physicist Jim Al-Khalili and Nobel Prize winner Kip Thorne discuss everything from black holes to the science behind Hollywood hit 'Interstellar'.

Credit: DNEG/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc./CQG 32 065001

This event is now sold out.

Quantum physicist, best-selling author, and broadcaster Jim Al-Khalili is joined by fellow physicist and Nobel Prize winner Kip Thorne. This talk is a chance to peek behind the curtain and get to know one of the best-known names in physics.  

In his work, Kip is credited with the theory of wormholes and the possibility of time travel, and his research has advanced some of Albert Einstein's most intriguing ideas exploring gravitation and general relativity. Over the course of their discussion, we'll hear stories of Kip's life and work – from growing up in Utah and falling in love with astronomy to being awarded the Nobel prize to being catapulted into the Hollywood spotlight with his work as executive producer on the 2014 blockbuster 'Interstellar' – where the worlds of serious science and popular culture collided. 

There will be plenty of enlightening anecdotes along the way, including Kip's famous wager with Stephen Hawking on the nature of black holes, and industry secrets revealed through his work with NASA.  

Don't miss this opportunity to sit in a room with two of the greatest scientific minds of a generation. 

This event will be recorded for the BBC Radio 4 programme The Life Scientific, and will include time at the end for audience questions.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Kip Thorne

Kip Thorne
via Wikipedia

Kip Thorne is an acclaimed American physicist renowned for his contributions to astronomy, particularly in validating the existence of gravitational waves, and has an extensive body of work, comprising over 150 articles and several books. Among his notable literary works is 'Black holes and time warps: Einstein's outrageous legacy,' which garnered multiple awards. Recognised as a leading authority on Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, Kip serves as a professor at the California Institute of Technology. Additionally, he collaborated with director Christopher Nolan, serving as a science advisor on various feature films, including the critically acclaimed 'Interstellar' released in 2014. In 2017, Kip was honoured with the Nobel Prize in Physics for his pivotal role in the "contributions to the LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational waves," as stated by the official Nobel Prize website.

About Jim Al-Khalili

Jim Al-Kalili
Image credit: Wikimedia

Jim Al-Khalili is Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Surrey and one of Britain’s best-known science communicators. He has written numerous books, including 'The World According to Physics' (Princeton), 'Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed' and 'Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology'. He is a fellow of the Royal Society.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions